Get Ready to Meet Niall Horan, Solo Artist

While most people who are familiar enough with One Direction to predict each member’s future musical success likely placed their bets on Harry Styles as the group’s first breakout act, it looks like 1D's Niall Horan may beat him to the punch.

According to The Sun, Horan is currently negotiating a solo deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco label and will be managed by Modest, the same team that handled One Direction.

“Niall is the band’s secret weapon,” said an unnamed 1D insider. “Modest and Syco believe he has what it takes to become a break out solo star. He has the songwriting and music talent, good looks and cheeky Irish personality which made him a favourite in the States. A deal with Syco is going to be signed in the coming weeks and Niall is already back in the studio writing.”

The site also claims a "hit single" from Horan is on its way, though it likely won’t be released until early 2017.

As for the rest of 1D, The Sun claims Louis Tomlinson has no plans on furthering his career as a solo artist -- though he'll continue to write for other acts -- and is instead focusing on working in television as a producer or presenter.

Liam Payne, meanwhile, is apparently pouring the majority of his energy and time into his relationship with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and seems to have no solidified business plans on the horizon. The Sundoes, however, vaguely hint that he’s "currently in talks with high-profile management companies and is considering some opportunities in America.”

Harry's solo stardom is imminent as well, though he’s currently filming for Christopher Nolan's upcoming World War II drama Dunkirk. And according to a ringing endorsement from his pal Niall -- who said "if Christopher Nolan takes you on, you must be a good actor" -- he'll clearly be vying for an Oscar soon enough.